Plug In America Podcast

Texas students say OYEA ("Oh, yeah!") to EVs

Kate — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:52:46 +0000

At 18, Ivan Kumamoto is already a dedicated EV activist. As co-president of OYEA (Organization of Young Environmental Activists), he works to educate the public in his corner of Texas on the benefits of EVs. In this podcast, Ivan describes some of their EVents.

Dallas Plugs In!

Kate — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 17:52:06 +0000

One of the twenty-six cities that will be celebrating National Plug-In Day is – surprisingly – Dallas. In this podcast, Dave Aasheim and Jenny Danieau talk about "tailgate without tailpipes," the EVent they've organized to promote electric cars deep in the heart of Texas oil country.

Davis Plugs In!

Kate — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 01:05:54 +0000

National Plug-In Day is spreading like wildfire! Four short weeks ago, EVents were being planned in "only" 12 cities; today 22 cities across the country are hosting National Plug-In Day activities. In this podcast, Chris Granger and Manny Rin from Davis, California describe the "electric cruise-about" they have organized as part of the celebration and outline some ambitious plans for Davis' transportation future. >

San Francisco Plugs In!

Kate — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 17:25:14 +0000

Marc Geller is the National Plug-In Day events captain for San Francisco and a veteran of the EV scene. In this interview, Marc gives us some historical perspective as he examines the contrast between the "desperation" of early EV protests and the "celebration" of National Plug-In Day. Later, Marc provides information about the EVents of San Francisco's own celebration.

Orange County Plugs In!

Kate — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 18:34:19 +0000

As October 16 gets closer, America’s EV community is moving towards a historic first: the very first nationwide EVent. In this podcast, Plug-In America’s own Linda Nicholes shares her unusual perspective on National Plug-In Day. A few short years ago, Linda took to the streets as one of a handful of EV drivers in the Don’t Crush protests. Today she’s busily organizing in Orange County as 22 (and counting!) cities join hands to celebrate National Plug-In Day. How things change...

New York City Plugs In!

Kate — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 18:39:46 +0000

National Plug-In Day is getting closer! In six short days , grassroots organizations from LA to New York will be celebrating history’s first nationwide EV event. In this podcast, Nate Pinsley the event director for NYC Plug-In Day tells us exactly what NY City’s EV community means when they offer to show the world “How it’s done, New York style.”

Tucson Plugs In!

Kate — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 01:11:41 +0000

When Benjamin Nead, Tucson radio personality and clean-energy enthusiast, heard about National Plug-In Day, he knew he had to get involved. In this podcast, Benjamin describes the birth and purpose of Tucson Plugs In 2011, the "organization of one" that has added Tucson to the list of cities celebrating this nationwide EVent. Benjamin gives specific event information and shares his vision of Tucson's transportation future.

Sierra Club Plugs In!

Kate — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 00:47:27 +0000

Gina Coplon-Newfield, the woman heading up Sierra Club's national EV campaign, coordinates grassroots organizations all over the country as they celebrate National Plug-In Day. In this interview, Gina discusses Sierra Club's historical involvement with plug-ins and its seminal role in organizing America's first nationwide EVent.

National Plug-In Day is Coming!

Kate — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 18:33:01 +0000

On October 16, EV enthusiasts in more than 20 cities nationwide will be celebrating National Plug-In Day. From Knoxville to Seattle, grassroot organizations are working with the likes of Sierra Club, Electric Auto Association, and Plug In America to spread the word through EVents like plug-in parades and no-tailpipe tailgate parties. In this interview, Plug In America's own Zan Dubin Scott talks about the unprecedented scope of the event and reveals her part in the conversation that started it all.

Chargers Demystified

Kate — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 18:32:08 +0000

Can you charge an EV in the rain?

What if you accidentally drive away while the charger is still connected?

As EVs enter the mainstream, both owners and wannabes are asking all kinds of questions about EV chargers.

In this interview Bill Korthof, EV driver and professional electrician, walks listeners through EV charger basics: types, cost, installation procedures, and much more.

EVs in the Air Force

Kate — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 02:05:12 +0000

The US Air Force has a long history of using EVs. Hear Lt. Col. Brian Rusler provide the inside scoop on the Air Force’s current renewable energy program and the significant role EVs will play in achieving its ambitious goals.

Air Force Veteran Speaks Out on EVs

Kate — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 02:16:37 +0000

Tim Goodrich is a veteran Air Force pilot who was deployed three times in the Middle East and later visited that area as part of a citizen fact-finding mission. In this podcast, Tim shares his first-hand knowledge of what went and tells us how it opened his eyes to the environmental, strategic, and humanitarian importance of EVs.

Chris Paine's "Revenge"

Kate — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 17:12:33 +0000

Director Chris Paine has described his influential 2006 documentary, "Who Killed the Electric Car?" as being "about how corporations can make some very bad decisions." His newest work, as revealed in this interview, carries a dramatically different message. Here Chris discusses the genesis of the soon-to-premiere "Revenge of the Electric Car" and highlights Plug In America's significant contributions.

Polar Bear Tells All!

Kate — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 23:33:33 +0000

In its very first inter-species podcast, Plug In America talks with a polar bear. And this is not just any Ursus Maritimus - this bear's appearance in the wildly popular Nissan commercial has catapulted him to instant fame. Here, P-Bear discusses his sudden celebrityk, how it has affected his personal life, and how he plans to spend his residuals. Click here to watch Nissan's "Polar Bear" ad.

"Electric" Tells All

Kate — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 23:57:20 +0000

Stephen Zimpel, who portrays "Electric" in Plug In America's wildly popular service announcements, reveals his past life as a "petrol head" and discusses how making the spots radically changed his perspective on EVs.

A Million EVs in Four Years? Really?

Kate — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 04:13:28 +0000

Marc Geller, longtime EV driver and activist, discusses the Administration's ambitious plan to put 1 million EVs on America's roads by 2015. So many, so quickly - is it possible? Marc weighs in with a resounding "yes!" and tells us why.

EVs Deep in the Heart of Texas

Kate — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 19:43:55 +0000

Sara Bisig, owner of Go Green Eco Taxi, has established a thriving electric taxi service right in the middle of Texas oil country. Inspired by the film "Who Killed the Electric Car," this eco-entrepreneur is simmultaneously having fun and "changing the world, one taxi ride at a time."

Transforming Toyota with a Transport Chase

Richard — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 20:54:34 +0000

Linda Nicholes and Howard Stein recount the tale of a harrowing Toyota transport chase and other successful efforts that protected hundreds of RAV4 EVs from future dates with the crusher.

Living History - Inaugural Parade West

Richard — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 15:17:34 +0000

Zan Dubin Scott, Plug In America's Communications Director, describes the 2008 Inaugural Parade West, when EV drivers and supporters sent their message to Washington, loud and clear: We want plug-in EVs on the road NOW!

More photos from the Parade.

Sherry Boschert discusses upcoming EVents

Colby — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 00:13:10 +0000

Q: What do a conference on the "built environment," an expo of high-tech, eco-friendly vehicles, and a forum whose mission is "...inspiring a shift to live on Earth in ways that honor the web of life..." have in common? A: All three are sponsoring activities in the Bay Area over the next few weeks -- and Plug In America will be a presence at each of these very different EVents.

An 88 Year Love Affair

Plug In America — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 20:18:22 +0000

At 99, Howard Dunholter may just be the oldest Tesla owner in the world. In this interview he describes his 88-year love affair with the electric car, an affair stretching from the elegant glass-and-chrome horseless carriages of the 1920's to his current powder-blue, wickedly fast Tesla roadster.

Busted in Burbank!

Plug In America — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 20:25:25 +0000

Alexandra Paul and Collette Divine discuss the 2005 General Motors Burbank Vigil and their subsequent arrest.

A LEAF grows in Tennessee Part 2

Plug In America — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 19:35:15 +0000

Why did Nissan invite Plug In America to Tennessee?

    * Advocacy, "keeping the dream alive"
    * Show Nissan's commitment

Does Nissan want to dominate the world market in EVs?

    * Globally mass produce and mass market the world's first affordable electric vehicle

Simultanous launches in US, Japan, Europe in conjunction with Renault. Four Nissan vehicles and four Renault.

Does Mark still think EVs going to be the powertrain-of-choice by 2050?

    * Not if, but when

A LEAF grows in Tennessee Part 1

Plug In America — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 20:30:49 +0000

In April 2010, Plug In America was invited to Nissan Corporate Headquarters in Tennessee where they met key executives, spoke to employees, reviewed the ZEM (Zero-Emission Mobility) team plans, and visited the plant in Smyrna, TN where future LEAFs and their battery packs will be manufactured.

In this podcast, Kate speaks to Richard Kelly, who describes some of the events of this trip from Plug In America's perspective.

For some background and images, Paul Scott also blogged about this trip as well back in April

Historic Zero-Carbon Grand Prix (TTXGP)

Colby — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 04:23:45 +0000

On May 14-16, the EV community can celebrate another historical milestone: North America's first zero-carbon motorcycle grand prix. In this interview Jeremy Burne, U.S. Director of TTXGP, paints a dynamic picture of the race that uses cutting-edge zero carbon technology to deliver "thrills and passion" to spectators and riders alike.

EV Outreach and Kids

Colby — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 04:31:26 +0000

How do you connect with the next generation of EV drivers? Linda Nicholes has been doing outreach at local schools for nine years. She often appears as a "one-woman panel" after children have already viewed "Who Killed the Electric Car". Learn some of the tactics she uses to connect with all kids, from the very young who may not understand the bigger picture, to the somewhat jaded teen.

What's happening in Washington State?

Colby — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 04:34:22 +0000

Chad Schwitters, EV enthusiast and member of Plug In America's Executive Committee, describes the EV scene in Washington State.

Resource Guide Unveiled

Colby — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 04:53:32 +0000

Sherry Boschert introduces Plug In America's newest project, a publication titled "Charged Up & Ready to Roll: The Definitive Guide to Plug-In Electric Vehicles," and tells us why it is "unlike any other."

CA First PHEV School Bus

Colby — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 04:42:41 +0000

Ramses Banda, Marketing Manager of IC Bus, and Ralph Knight, Director of Transportation for the Napa Valley Unified School District, discuss the PHEV school bus that will be on display at Plug In America's January 28 benefit

Anne Korin Interview Part 2

Plug In America — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 14:04:31 +0000

Anne Korin, co-author of the book, "Turning Oil into Salt: Energy Independence through Fuel Choice," discusses the crucial role of plug-in electric vehicles in the fight to strip oil of its status as a "strategic commodity"

Anne Korin Interview Part 1

Plug In America — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 14:06:58 +0000

Blog Debut

Plug In America — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 14:10:21 +0000

Sherry Boschert, co-founder and Board member of Plug In America, talks about In the Driver's Seat (http://www.pluginamerica.org/blogs/drivers-seat), Plug In America's new blog.

PIA joins MoveOn campaign

Plug In America — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 14:13:43 +0000

Marc Geller, cofounder and Board member of Plug in America, explains why PIA has joined MoveOn in calling for Toyota to withdraw from the US Chamber of Commerce. Visit the MoveOn Campaign Page to join the thousands that have already participated in this action.

Looking Down the Road

Plug In America — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 14:22:53 +0000

Plug In America's managing director, Jeanne Trombly, tells us what Plug In America will be doing over the next 12 months.

Project Get Ready

Plug In America — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 14:25:09 +0000

Project Get Ready, sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Institute, is a program designed to help cities prepare for plug-in vehicles. In this interview, Project Manager Matt Matilla and Plug In America Vice President Paul Scott discuss the project and tell listeners how their cities can get involved.

The ABCs of ZEVs Part 1

Plug In America — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 15:05:15 +0000

Darell Dickey, Plug In America member and self-proclaimed "EV nut" discusses some of the basics of EV technology, such as:

How do EV motors work?
Why are they so quiet? and
Why do they provide so much more torque than old-fashioned gas-burning engines?

Plug In 2009 Part 1

Plug In America — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 14:28:25 +0000

Mindy Berman, Plug In 2009 Media Coordinator, gives an overview of this important event, including guest speakers and exciting new exhibits.

Interview with Mark Perry of Nissan

Plug In America — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 14:33:01 +0000

Mark Perry, Director of Product Planning for Nissan North American, discusses their all-electric sedan and the reasons behind Nissan's active committment to EVs.

Interview with Ed Kjaer Part 2

Plug In America — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 14:36:03 +0000

Ed Kjaer, Director of Electric Transportation for SoCal Edison, discusses the world's largest fleet of electic vehicles and the place of plug-in electric cars in America -- today, tomorrow, and 100 years down the road.

Interview with Ed Kjaer Part 1

Plug In America — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 14:38:14 +0000

Inaugural Parade West Part 3

Plug In America — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 14:40:58 +0000

"Did Washington get the message?" Alexandra Paul, electric car driver and co-founder of Plug In America, answers these and other questions about the Parade in this interview.

Inaugural Parade West Part 2

Plug In America — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 14:43:15 +0000

Steve Factor from SolarCity discusses his "Solar Taco" Toyota Tacoma EV: how he built it and the strong message it will send when he drives it in the upcoming Parade.

AC Propulsion CEO Tom Gage

Plug In America — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 14:47:11 +0000

In this interview Tom Gage, Plug In America Advisory Board member and CEO of AC Propulsion, reveals some unusual features of AC Propulsion's drive technology -- including surprising uses for a battery charger.

Inaugural Parade West Part 1

Plug In America — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 14:52:05 +0000

The Inaugural Parade West is intended to "send a message to Washington," declares Zan Dubin Scott, Plug In America's Communications Director, in this interview. She discusses the parade's purpose and origin and reveals her own high hopes for the outcome.

Jennifer Talks Bailout

Plug In America — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 14:56:11 +0000

Jennifer Krill, program director for the Rainforest Action network and new member of Plug In America's Board of Directors, discusses the proposed auto industry bailout and what listeners can do to influence the outcome.

Green Architect Mike Pitler

Plug In America — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 14:59:40 +0000

Mike Pitler, an Oakland architect, included plug-in vehicle charging capability among the features of a recent redevelopment project. Why provide accommodations for a car that isn't on the market yet? Mike answers this question and discusses his vision of the "perfect partnership" between EV's and drivers who live in urban neighborhoods.

The ABCs of ZEVs Part 2

Plug In America — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 15:02:43 +0000

In the second part of our series, Darell Dickey, long-time electric car driver and self-proclaimed "EV nut," discusses how his daily routine changed when he switched from a gas-burner to a plug-in electric car. He highlights his EV's many benefits -- not all of them financial.

Volunteer Spotlight: Colby Trudeau

Plug In America — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 15:07:25 +0000

Plug In America volunteer Colby Trudeau discusses the events that sparked his interest in plug-in electric vehicles. He also describes the pleasures of driving an electric bike - his current ride - and gives pointers to people who want plug-in electric cars of their own.

Let's Analyze EVs

Plug In America — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 15:09:58 +0000

Kate interviews Sherry Boschert, member of the Sierra Club of
California Climate and Energy Committee, and Vice-President of Plug In
America.

Before Sherry decided that an electric car was right for her, she
researched the topic considerably. Were they really better for the
environment? Sherry shares her findings with us in this podcast.

Google Brookings Part 2 - Chelsea Sexton

Plug In America — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 15:12:00 +0000

Chelsea gives us her take on the Google-Brookings Conference. She reports that the attendees -- activists, politicians, and representatives of major auto manufacturers -- reached a surprising consensus on the inevitability of plug-in electric vehicles: "It is now a question of when, not if."

Google-Brookings Conference Report

Plug In America — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 15:14:36 +0000

Paul reports on the Google Brookings Conference in Washington DC, which brought together the major players in the plug-in world. He gives his take on some of the speeches and the different levels of knowledge and commitment displayed by the major battery and auto makers. Paul is ultimately optimistic that the average person will be able to get an electric car within the next two to three years.

Interview with Ron Freund

Plug In America — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 15:17:02 +0000

Ron Freund, Plug In America director, and EAA Chairman, explains the origins of Plug In America.

Why is the PIA logo so similar to the EAA logo?
What was DontCrush?

Ron is a real EV renaissance man, and he shares some stories of how
he got into EVs, his efforts with charger repair, and the EAA
newsletter, and his views on the future of EVs.

California Regulators Act

Plug In America — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 15:20:33 +0000

The California Air Resources Board revised its Zero Emission Vehicle Program for the first time in 5 years -- the regulations that forced automakers to produce more than 5,000 electric vehicles before earlier revisions in 2003 let the car companies cancel EV production. Plug In America was at the historic March 27, 2008 vote. Plug In America board member Paul Scott reports on the aftermath -- both good and bad -- and describes what's next in the campaign to get clean cars on the road.

Join Alexandra at the Rally

Plug In America — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 15:23:19 +0000

Actress Alexandra Paul (remember Baywatch?) may be even better known by Plug In America supporters for her appearance in the documentary Who Killed the Electric Car? She and another EV driver committed civil disobedience while trying to save the remaining GM EV1 cars from destruction. In this podcast she invites everyone to join Plug In America at another important demonstration on March 26 at 10:30 am in Sacramento, Calif. No civil disobedience this time, but you might just score an autograph.

Make-or-Break Time

Plug In America — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 15:30:55 +0000

Plug In America's Legislative Director Jay Friedland gives the low-down on unacceptable changes proposed for California's Zero Emission Vehicle Program, which the Air Resources Board will put to a vote on March 27, 2008. What happens that day in California could decide whether more than half the U.S. population gets access to electric vehicles in the next decade -- a must if we're to have any hope of limiting global warming.

Action Campaign Launched

Plug In America — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 15:34:41 +0000

A historic vote coming up on March 27, 2008 by the California Air
Resources Board could determine whether we get thousands of plug-in cars
on the road soon or have to wait another decade for that option

Plug In America's Secretary of the Board Richard Kelly describes a
new online campaign targeting the board and California Governor Arnold
Schwarzenegger. Help us send a message to the "Governator" that he can
help consumers get the choice to drive emission-free, by joining the
campaign here.

Plug In Seattle and Hawaii

Plug In America — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 15:40:36 +0000

California isn't the only place where plug-in cars are in big demand. Plug In America board member Dan Davids of Seattle and Hawaii, talks about trends to electrify transportation in those areas, and his experience driving an electric car in the great Northwest.

Andrew Frank Update

Colby — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 00:16:41 +0000

Professor Andrew Frank of the University of California, Davis is the godfather of plug-in hybrids. He and his students have been building them for more than a decade, showing us what the car companies could be doing, if only they would. Hear his take on the state of the industry in an interview at EVS23, the international electric vehicle symposium in Anaheim, Calif. in December 2007.

PHEVs and Air Quality

Colby — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 01:15:52 +0000

Driving on electricity instead of gasoline reduces greenhouse gases, but what about smog, acid rain, mercury deposits, and lung-damaging particulate emissions? A landmark study by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) in 2007 looked at both greenhouse gases and "air quality" emissions from plug-in hybrids (http://www.epri-reports.org) and found that plug-in hybrids will reduce both.

California Regulations Update

Colby — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 01:11:02 +0000

California has been the leader in pushing for cleaner cars in the United States. It is the only state that is allowed to create clean-air laws that are stricter than federal laws. Other states have the option of adopting California's laws or the federal ones, so what happens in California has national implications. California passed a slew of regulations and incentives in recent years to reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution that affect the drive toward plug-in vehicles.

Vehicle-to-grid Demonstration

Colby — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 01:13:26 +0000

A Northern California utility and the start-up electric car company Tesla Motors jointly have been testing vehicle-to-grid technology. Hear a report presented at EVS23, the international Electric Vehicle Symposium, by Pacific Gas & Electric's Sven Thesen and Tesla Motor's Alec Brooks.

Hit the Street

Colby — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 00:23:46 +0000

Activism has always been an important tool for Plug In America. Besides our inside work in government and industry, we hit the streets when a good protest or demonstration would be the most effective move. Zan Dubin Scott talks about some of our best actions, and why they worked.

Neighborhood Electric Vehicle News at SF Green Festival

Colby — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 00:27:18 +0000

Neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) aren't for everyone, but they serve an important niche. With a short range, a top speed of 25 mph, and an affordable price, they're great for running gas-free errands, taking the kids to school, etc. One of the new NEVs on the block -- the Zenn NEV -- is featured in this podcast from the San Francisco Green Festival.

Plug-in Hybrid News at SF Green Festival

Colby — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 00:36:47 +0000

For the first time, visitors to the 2007 San Francisco Green Festival could inspect a kit on sale that converts a hybrid into a plug-in hybrid. Hear the details from Robb Protheroe of Plug-in Supply Inc., which makes the kit, and Carolyn Coquillette, owner of Luscious Garage, a new "green" garage in San Francisco that plans to offer kit installation.

Plug Into Renewable Power

Colby — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 00:49:58 +0000

The synergies between plug-in cars and solar or wind power are sparking a convergence of our transportation and energy industries. Mike Kane, a solar power professional and a director of Plug In America, discusses the win-win of combining renewable electricity with electric vehicles or plug-in hybrids. Individual homeowners and society as a whole are benefiting from this combination.

New Cars Coming

Colby — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 00:52:25 +0000

Plug In America's executive director, Chelsea Sexton, describes the exciting recent activity in car companies both large and small to move toward production of new electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. Are these cars really coming? When and where can we get one? Hear an expert's view on developments, and what you can do to speed them along.

Electric Drive is Cleaner

Colby — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 00:53:38 +0000

More than 40 studies of well-to-wheels emissions show that plug-in vehicles are a better environmental choice than gasoline cars, hybrids, or hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. Plug In America board member Sherry Boschert discusses the data.

Consumers Make It Happen

Colby — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 00:57:54 +0000

Plug In America board member Marc Geller describes the lengths to which consumers had to go in order to drive electric cars, and how drivers fought back when automakers wanted to destroy these vehicles. Hear how 2007 is a key year to influence government regulators in favor of electric cars, and how you can help.

Here Comes Tesla

Colby — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 01:03:06 +0000

Plug In America President Linda Nicholes loved driving her Toyota RAV4-EV electric SUV so much, she jumped at the chance to become one of the first owners of the sporty new Tesla Roadster, a sleek electric sportscar that sprints from 0 to 60 mph in under 4 seconds and has a range of 200 miles per charge.

Chris Paine's "Revenge"

Kate — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 17:12:30 +0000